26 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express

3 min

International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Avtar S Bhasin, Foreign Policy Chronicler, Passes Away at 90

Avtar S Bhasin, former diplomat and foreign policy author, dies at 90.

Photo by Artem Bryzgalov

Avtar Singh Bhasin, a former Indian diplomat and prolific author on foreign policy, passed away in Delhi on January 25, 2026, at the age of 90. Born in June 1935, Bhasin served with the National Archives of India and the Ministry of Defence before joining the Ministry of External Affairs in 1963. He served in Indian Missions in Kathmandu, Bonn, Vienna, and Lagos.

Bhasin was known for his extensive knowledge and chronicling of India's foreign relations. He was a Senior Fellow at the Indian Council of Historical Research and an Honorary Fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library.

Key Facts

Avtar S Bhasin passed away: January 25, 2026

Bhasin's age: 90 years

Served in MEA: From 1963

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: International Relations - India's foreign policy, bilateral and multilateral relations

Historical evolution of India's foreign policy

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on India's foreign policy objectives and challenges

Visual Insights

Avtar Singh Bhasin: A Career in Indian Foreign Policy

Timeline of Avtar Singh Bhasin's career and key events in Indian foreign policy during his lifetime.

Avtar Singh Bhasin witnessed and chronicled significant events in India's foreign policy, from the early years of independence to the rise of India as a major global power.

1935Avtar Singh Bhasin born in June.
1947India gains independence; Jawaharlal Nehru becomes the first Prime Minister and shapes India's early foreign policy.
1962Sino-Indian War.
1963Avtar Singh Bhasin joins the Ministry of External Affairs.
1971Indo-Pakistani War; creation of Bangladesh.
1972Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) established.
1991India initiates economic reforms, impacting its foreign policy.
1998India conducts nuclear tests.
2014Narendra Modi becomes Prime Minister, emphasizing 'Neighborhood First' policy.
2019Revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, impacting relations with Pakistan.
2026Avtar Singh Bhasin passes away on January 25.

More Information

Background

Avtar Singh Bhasin's work provides a lens to view the evolution of India's foreign policy since independence. India's foreign policy, initially shaped by Nehruvian ideals of non-alignment and peaceful coexistence, has undergone significant transformations. The early years saw a focus on decolonization and solidarity with newly independent nations.

The Sino-Indian War of 1962 exposed vulnerabilities and led to a gradual shift towards greater realism. The 1971 war and the subsequent emergence of Bangladesh further reshaped regional dynamics. The end of the Cold War and the economic liberalization of the 1990s brought about a more assertive and multi-aligned approach.

Bhasin's chronicles would likely delve into these shifts, providing insights into the decision-making processes and the personalities involved.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India's foreign policy has been characterized by a focus on strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, and a proactive approach to regional and global challenges. The 'Neighborhood First' policy aims to strengthen ties with neighboring countries, while initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) reflect India's growing role in the Indo-Pacific region. India's engagement with multilateral forums like the Quad and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) highlights its commitment to a rules-based international order.

Looking ahead, India is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the global agenda, particularly in areas such as climate change, counter-terrorism, and global health security. The focus will likely be on balancing its strategic interests with its commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who was Avtar S Bhasin and why is he in the news?

Avtar S Bhasin was a former Indian diplomat and author known for his work on India's foreign policy. He is in the news because he recently passed away at the age of 90.

2. What are some key facts about Avtar S Bhasin relevant for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include his passing on January 25, 2026, his age of 90 years, and his service in the Ministry of External Affairs starting in 1963. Remember his association with Indian foreign policy documentation.

Exam Tip

Focus on his area of expertise: Indian Foreign Policy. Questions may link him to specific historical events or policy decisions.

3. In what different roles did Avtar S Bhasin serve the Indian government?

Avtar S Bhasin served with the National Archives of India, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of External Affairs. He also served in Indian Missions in Kathmandu, Bonn, Vienna, and Lagos.

4. What was Avtar S Bhasin's area of expertise and how did he contribute to the understanding of India's foreign policy?

Bhasin was known for his extensive knowledge and chronicling of India's foreign relations. His work provides a lens to view the evolution of India's foreign policy since independence.

5. How has India's foreign policy evolved since the time Avtar S Bhasin joined the Ministry of External Affairs?

Initially shaped by Nehruvian ideals of non-alignment, India's foreign policy has evolved to focus on strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, and a proactive approach to regional and global challenges.

6. What is the 'Neighborhood First' policy and how does it relate to Avtar S Bhasin's work on foreign policy?

The 'Neighborhood First' policy aims to strengthen ties with neighboring countries. Understanding the historical context of these relationships, as documented by Bhasin, is crucial for the policy's success.

7. What are the key elements of India's current foreign policy approach?

India's current foreign policy is characterized by strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, a proactive approach to regional and global challenges, and initiatives like the 'Neighborhood First' policy and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

8. How might Avtar S Bhasin's understanding of foreign policy be relevant to India's role in the Indo-Pacific region?

Bhasin's historical perspective on India's foreign relations provides context for understanding India's current engagement in the Indo-Pacific, particularly initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

9. What is the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and how does it reflect India's foreign policy objectives?

The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) reflects India's growing role in the Indo-Pacific region and its proactive approach to regional and global challenges. It signifies India's commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

10. How can the study of individuals like Avtar S Bhasin help in understanding the evolution of Indian foreign policy for UPSC aspirants?

Studying individuals like Bhasin provides valuable insights into the historical context and evolution of India's foreign policy. Understanding the contributions of key figures helps aspirants develop a comprehensive understanding for both Prelims and Mains.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements best describes Avtar S. Bhasin's primary contribution to the field of International Relations?

A.He formulated key foreign policy doctrines for the Indian government.
B.He served as a negotiator in major international treaties.
C.He extensively chronicled and documented India's foreign relations.
D.He led significant reforms within the Ministry of External Affairs.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Avtar S. Bhasin was primarily known for his extensive chronicling and documentation of India's foreign relations. While he served in the Ministry of External Affairs, his significant contribution lies in his scholarly work and publications that provide detailed accounts of India's diplomatic history. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect his main area of expertise and contribution.

2. Consider the following statements regarding India's foreign policy during the Nehruvian era: 1. Emphasis on non-alignment as a core principle. 2. Active participation in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). 3. Prioritization of military alliances with major powers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Nehruvian foreign policy emphasized non-alignment and active participation in NAM. Statement 3 is incorrect because Nehruvian policy avoided military alliances with major powers, focusing instead on independent foreign policy and peaceful coexistence. India's foreign policy during Nehru's time was characterized by its commitment to non-alignment, seeking to maintain independence from both the Western and Eastern blocs during the Cold War.

3. In the context of India's 'Neighborhood First' policy, which of the following is NOT a primary objective?

A.Enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development.
B.Promoting economic cooperation and trade.
C.Establishing military bases in neighboring countries.
D.Fostering cultural exchanges and people-to-people contact.

Show Answer

Answer: C

The 'Neighborhood First' policy focuses on strengthening ties with neighboring countries through connectivity, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Establishing military bases is NOT a primary objective and would contradict the policy's emphasis on peaceful and cooperative relations. The policy aims to build trust and mutual understanding, not military dominance.

Source Articles

A S Bhasin, the veteran chronicler of India’s foreign policy, passes on | India News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·26 Jan 2026

In Negotiating India’s Landmark Treaties, former diplomat Avtar Singh Bhasin analyses landmark treaties with China, the US, Soviet Russia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan | Books and Literature News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·26 Jan 2026